Membrane Switch UV Ink Gap Control for Light Transmissibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control devices with light-transmissible key structures face challenges in layout complexity due to narrow spaces for circuit and contact point layout, requiring improved membrane switch designs to maintain specified gaps and avoid direct contact with dense circuits.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a membrane switch featuring a UV-printed ink member to maintain a gap between the upper and lower film layers, allowing for separation and facilitating light transmission, along with an elastic element and protrusion structures for precise contact point alignment and triggering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the membrane switch uses a hollow portion to allow light transmission, then light transmissibility is improved, but the layout space for circuits and contact points becomes narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a space layer that extends in the vertical dimension (thickness direction) to provide separation between the upper and lower film layers. This vertical dimension solution resolves the horizontal space constraint caused by the hollow portion, allowing adequate layout space for circuits and contact points while maintaining light transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The space layer acts as an intermediary element between the upper and lower film layers. It provides the necessary gap and separation, enabling proper circuit layout and contact point arrangement without interfering with the light transmission function of the hollow portion. The space layer mediates between the conflicting requirements of light transmission and circuit layout.
2Manufacturing precision
If the space layer separates the upper and lower film layers, then the gap maintenance is improved, but the design complexity of the membrane switch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The space layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains the specified gap between film layers, provides separation to prevent direct contact, and offers a substrate for mounting circuits and contact points. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the patent reduces overall design complexity while achieving precise gap control.
Solution Approach 2:
The space layer is pre-formed with the required thickness and gap specifications before assembly. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the membrane switch is assembled, the gap between upper and lower film layers is automatically maintained at the desired precision without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during final assembly.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances the layout and functionality of the control device by maintaining a specified gap between film layers, reducing complexity and improving the intuitive operation of light-transmissible key structures, while ensuring precise contact point alignment for efficient signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
A cured ink member is formed on a surface the upper film layer facing the lower film layer or a surface of the lower film layer facing the upper film layer by using a UV printing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device is provided. A membrane switch of the control device is specially designed. A cured ink member is formed on a surface the upper film layer facing the lower film layer or a surface of the lower film layer facing the upper film layer by using a UV printing process. Due to the ink member, a specified gap or distance between the upper film layer and the lower film layer can be maintained when they are not contacted with each other or when the membrane switch is not triggered.